International Consultant – Development of the Iraq National Migration Profile

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

Iraq is a country of origin, transit, destination, displacement, and return. Its migration landscape is shaped by internal displacement, return and reintegration, labour migration, emigration, immigration, diaspora engagement, student mobility, remittances, and increasing interest in safe, orderly and regular migration pathways. These diverse migration dynamics require reliable and comprehensive migration data to support effective policymaking, institutional coordination, and programme development.
The Government of Iraq has identified strengthening migration data collection, analysis, coordination, and utilization as a national priority. Although migration-related information is collected by a wide range of government institutions, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), United Nations agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and other stakeholders, the data remain fragmented across multiple systems, using different definitions, methodologies, indicators, and reporting practices. This limits the systematic use of migration data for evidence-based policy development and migration governance.
A Migration Profile (MP) is a government-owned analytical and policy tool, developed through a participatory process involving a broad range of national and international stakeholders. It supports policy coherence, evidence-based policymaking, and the mainstreaming of migration into national development planning and sectoral policies. A Migration Profile consists of both a comprehensive report analysing migration trends, impacts, governance arrangements, and migration-related data, and a collaborative process that strengthens national capacity, enhances inter-institutional coordination, and promotes the systematic use of migration evidence in policymaking.
Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief OF Mission (DCOM) and the direct supervision pf the Head, Mobility Pathways and Inclusion (MPI) the International Consultant will provide technical support for the development of the Iraq National Migration Profile. The consultant will support the compilation and analysis of available migration-related data and information and the preparation of a comprehensive, government-owned reference document. The Profile will consolidate quantitative and qualitative information on migration trends, governance arrangements, institutional responsibilities, migration-related policies, and migration-development linkages. It will also identify migration data gaps and provide practical recommendations to strengthen migration governance, institutional coordination, and evidence-based policymaking
The consultancy will cover Iraq and will be carried out under IOM’s supervision and guidance. IOM will facilitate and coordinate engagement with relevant Government of Iraq institutions, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) entities, United Nations agencies, international organizations, academia, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders, as required for the assignment. The consultant will provide technical inputs to these processes as requested by IOM and will not independently represent IOM in engagements with external stakeholders.
The Migration Profile will build upon existing national initiatives, including the National Migration Management Strategy, the National Plan to Promote Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (2025–2030), the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the Migration Data Action Plan, and ongoing efforts to strengthen migration data governance in Iraq. The Migration Profile will contribute to strengthening the systematic use and periodic updating of migration evidence to support future migration policy and programme development.

This opportunity is open to international consultants only. The position is based in Baghdad, Iraq, with frequent travel.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Mobility Pathways and Inclusion Unit

Required Qualifications and Experience

University degree (master’s or equivalent) in Migration Studies, Statistics, Social sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, or a related field.
Experience:
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in migration research or data/statistics, and policy.
• Proven experience carrying out large-scale policy-oriented research / data compilation, ideally in collaboration with government and/or international organizations.

Skills

• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Strong knowledge of migration data systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong knowledge of Iraq’s migration dynamics is an asset.

Languages

For this consultancy,

• Excellent proficiency in English, including writing.
• Knowledge of Arabic an asset.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Note: As part of your application, please submit a financial proposal outlining your approach and fees to complete the assignment.

Travel required :
Travel to Iraq required, for stakeholder consultations, meetings, and capacity-building activities, as required by the assignment.
Accommodation and DSA will be covered Separately.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link . Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

- Inclusion and respect for diversity : Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency : Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism : Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage : Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy : Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

- Teamwork : Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results : Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge : Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability : Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication : Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here ). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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